Justin Pogge Standing Tall: Marlies Take Out Top Team Twice!

The Toronto Marlies won back-to-back games on the road over the weekend against the AHL-leading Manitoba Moose, Friday by a score of 3-1 and Saturday by a score of 3-2.

The Moose will be the first round playoff opponents of Toronto if they can hang onto the fourth and final playoff spot in the North Division. Syracuse is only one point behind Toronto, and with three games remaining for the two teams tussling for the final spot, every point and game is critical.

A bonus for the Marlies is that the young up-and-coming superstar Nikita Filatov, formerly of Syracuse, has been re-called by the Columbus Blue Jackets for their playoff push in the NHL.

Personally, I’m happy in both cases here: first, for Filatov getting some great experience on the playoff drive in the NHL, and second, Syracuse doesn’t have the young sniper, which takes away from their offensive talent, hopefully leaving the door open for the Marlies to grab the final playoff spot.

In the two games against Manitoba on the road the Marlies only allowed three goals, vaulting Justin Pogge into the first star position in each game.

Toronto plays the lowly Rochester Americans Wednesday at the Ricoh Coliseum before playing the Moose again at home on Friday, which should be one of the best games of the season, setting the tone for the playoffs.

Toronto then finishes off the season when they host the division rival Hamilton Bulldogs Saturday. Toronto then finishes off the season when they host the division rival Hamilton Bulldogs Saturday. Another excellent game to catch—could be do or die!